News From Around The Motherland. Week 20 of '24

• D. R. Congo Calls For Embargo On Rwandan Minerals Exports
• South Sudan to pay Quatari Bank $1 Billion.
• East Africa Grapples With Widespread Internet Outages
• Attempted coup in D.R. Congo neutralized.
• Iran's President Raisi Involved in a helicopter crash.

NORTH AFRICA.

🇪🇬 Egypt Aims To Enhance Medical Sector With New Law.

The House of Representatives approved a draft law on Sunday to delegate the management of public healthcare facilities to the private sector, aiming to enhance service quality. However, the private sector will not manage basic service units, family planning, blood donation, plasma collection, or vaccination facilities.

A portion of the privatized medical services will be allocated to beneficiaries of public health insurance and patients receiving state-funded free treatment. The bill mandates that private administrators retain at least 25 percent of current medics unless they choose to leave and allows for hiring foreign medical staff, provided they do not exceed 25 percent of the total staff.

The bill will be reviewed by several parliamentary committees for possible amendments, particularly regarding the conditions for returning the facilities to government control post-contract. Another vote will determine the bill's final approval or dismissal.

🇪🇬 Egypt Set To Receive $1.2 Billion Loan From The IMF

Egypt will receive $1.2 billion in green financing from the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility, following discussions between Egypt's Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad and the IMF mission. They explored cooperation mechanisms for environmental and climate policies, aiming to enhance coordination and support Egypt's environmental initiatives. IMF Mission Chief Ivanna Vladkova Hollar praised Egypt's climate efforts, including its National Climate Strategy 2050. The cooperation will focus on building capabilities for this strategy, finding financing mechanisms, and assessing the impact of public finance on climate investment. Last March, Egypt ranked 22nd in the Climate Change Performance Index 2024, second in the MENA region after Morocco.

🇲🇦 Western Sahara Dispute Deepens

Gunfire continues along the disputed buffer zone between Morocco and the Polisario Front in Western Sahara. The conflict reignited last Friday when Moroccan troops began an operation to open a highway through Polisario-held territory towards Mauritania, breaching a 1991 ceasefire. Sidi Omar, the Polisario Front representative in New York, has commented on the situation.

WEST AFRICA.

🇳🇬 U.S.-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement Comes Into Force.

The U.S.-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, provisionally applied since 2000, officially took effect on May 13, 2024. This agreement aligns with U.S. Open Skies policy and commits to high aviation safety and security standards. It allows for unrestricted service capacity, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities.

This agreement represents progress in liberalizing Africa's aviation sector and strengthens the economic and commercial ties between the U.S. and Nigeria. It creates opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers, promoting tourism and commerce by offering more affordable and efficient air services.

🇳🇬 Nigeria Not Planning To Host Foreign Military Bases.

Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris has denied claims that Nigeria is considering a deal with the US and France to establish military bases in the country following their ouster from Niger. Idris stated that the government has not received or considered any such proposals and already enjoys sufficient foreign cooperation for security challenges. A group of northern leaders had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to be cautious about any defense pact with the US or France, warning it could threaten Nigeria's sovereignty and independence.

🇳🇬 Nigeria, Senegal Relations Get A Positive Boost As Nigeria's President Hosts His Senegalese Counterpart.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, urging West African unity to combat terrorism, banditry, human trafficking, and poverty. Tinubu stressed the importance of people-focused governance and protecting democratic values. Faye praised Nigeria-Senegal relations and called for reactivating their joint commission to strengthen ties. He expressed confidence in Tinubu's leadership to enhance ECOWAS, emphasizing its vital role in regional integration despite current challenges.

EAST AFRICA.

🇸🇩 Sudan War Rages On With Battle Of El Fasher.

Heavy fighting and shelling have been reported in Sudan's Darfur region, particularly in the city of El Fasher. Since mid-April, the city has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to escalated clashes with the Sudanese army.

Medical workers report over 50 fatalities and around 400 injuries since the fighting intensified on Friday. The UN condemns the violation of fundamental laws of war and international humanitarian law in the conflict, stressing the urgent need for the protection of civilians. El Fasher, serving as a refuge for hundreds of thousands displaced by regional violence, remains at the center of the turmoil.

🇸🇩 Humanitarian Groups Urge Starlink Not To Shutdown Service In Sudan

Nearly 100 humanitarian groups in Sudan have cautioned Elon Musk about the potential consequences of shutting down his Starlink satellite internet service in the country.

They argue that this action could collectively punish millions of Sudanese who rely on the service during the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which the UN has described as one of the worst in decades. Starlink, a satellite arm of Musk's SpaceX, plans to terminate its services in Sudan due to licensing issues, which could disrupt emergency assistance and humanitarian operations.

The move has drawn criticism from rights organizations, who view it as a violation of human rights and a potential exacerbation of the already dire situation in the country.

🌍 East Africa Grapples With Wide Spread Internet Outage.

Internet users in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda are facing connectivity issues as service providers across East Africa acknowledge the problem and work to resolve it. The disruptions are attributed to faults in undersea cables connecting the region to the global network via South Africa.

Similar outages were reported in parts of West and Southern Africa in March. Cloudflare Radar reported that Tanzania experienced significant traffic drops, with levels falling to 30% of expected traffic. Tanzania's Citizen newspaper described the situation as an "internet blackout" affecting major network channels.

🇸🇸 South Sudan To Pay Qatari Bank $1 Billion

South Sudan has been ordered by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) to pay over one billion dollars to Qatar National Bank (QNB) following a ruling in favor of the bank.

The dispute originated from a $700 million loan provided by QNB to South Sudan in 2012. Despite a restructuring agreement in 2015 and subsequent supplements in 2016 and 2018, South Sudan defaulted on loan repayment, leading to legal action by QNB.

🇹🇿 The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant And Dam Nears Completion.

The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant And Dam in Tanzania, led by Egyptian firm, Arab Contractors, nears completion, overseen by Egypt's Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Assem El Gazzar, and closely watched by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Aimed at providing electricity, managing river flooding, and protecting the environment, the project is over 97% complete, with major components finished, including the main dam, turbines, and distribution station.

CENTRAL AFRICA.

🇨🇩 Attempted Coup In D.R. Congo Neutralized

An "attempted coup" in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was suppressed on Sunday by defense and security forces, according to army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge. He assured that the situation is under control and urged residents to continue their daily activities, noting that several perpetrators were arrested. Local media reported that at least three people, including two police officers, were killed during the incursions by attackers in neighborhoods housing politicians and diplomatic missions. Witnesses reported "violent gunshots" near the residence of legislator Vital Kamerhe around 4:30 a.m. The attackers also entered the Palais de la Nation, claiming via a Facebook livestream that they were "fighting for the country." The army did not provide details on the status of President Felix Tshisekedi or Kamerhe.

🇨🇩 - 🇷🇼 D. R. Congo Calls For Embargo On Rwandan Minerals Exports.

The Democratic Republic of Congo called for an international embargo on metal exports from Rwanda, accusing it of using rebel groups to steal resources. Congo's Mines Minister labeled Rwandan mining products as "blood minerals" supporting conflict in eastern Congo and urged a responsible supply chain.

This follows the takeover of Congo’s largest tantalum mines by the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda. Rwanda denies supporting M23, calling the accusations a "scapegoating strategy" by Congo.

Congo accused Apple Inc. of indirectly buying stolen minerals through Rwanda, but Apple denied any conflict links in its supply chain. Rwanda’s mineral exports, nearing $1 billion, are significant to its $14 billion GDP.

SOUTHERN AFRICA.

🇿🇦 South Africa Urges ICJ To Compel Israel To Withdraw From Gaza.

South Africa has requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order a ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Rafah, alleging genocide by Israel. This is the third hearing on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

South Africa seeks to ensure humanitarian access to Gaza and determine if Israel's actions violate the Genocide Convention. Israel, set to contest the accusations, has dismissed the case as "unfounded" and "morally repugnant."

🇿🇲 US And Zambia Sign Diplomatic Partnership To End Human Trafficking.

U.S. Embassy Zambia's Chargé d'Affaires Linnisa Wahid and Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu signed the U.S.-Zambia Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons (P2P), a multi-year initiative to combat human trafficking in Zambia. This program aims to enhance the Zambian government's efforts with national stakeholders and civil society for a comprehensive response to trafficking. Following months of discussions, the TIP Office has provided $4 million to Save the Children to work with Zambian ministries to implement the P2P. Objectives include promoting coordination among ministries and civil society, providing trauma-informed protection services to victims, and ensuring justice-sector actors effectively address trafficking cases.

WORLD HEADLINES.

🇬🇧 No Abuse Of UK Graduate Visa Route Committee Finds.

The UK's graduate visa route isn't widely abused, according to the government's immigration advisers. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) found that the route, allowing international students to work after graduating, should continue.

Despite concerns from some Conservative MPs, the MAC report highlighted low risks of abuse, with most graduates contributing positively to the job market. The review's conclusions sparked debate within the Conservative party, with calls to disregard them. The government has yet to decide on the MAC's recommendations, pending further review by the home secretary.

Key findings include the concentration of graduate visa holders from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan, and an improvement in employment outcomes over time. However, the review couldn't assess overstaying risks due to limited data from the Home Office.

🇨🇭 Former Gambian Minister Jailed 20 Years In Switzerland Landmark Case.

A former Gambian minister, Ousman Sonko, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Swiss court for crimes against humanity. Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016 amidst accusations of rights abuses under Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's regime.

Despite his defense, Sonko was convicted of intentional homicide, torture, and false imprisonment, but acquitted of rape in a trial conducted under the principle of universal jurisdiction. Sonko's arrest was prompted by evidence presented by concerned GOs, leading to a trial where Swiss investigators interviewed alleged victims and witnesses.

While other countries pursue similar cases against former members of Jammeh's regime, The Gambia's transitional justice process has been criticized for its slow progress in addressing past abuses.

🇸🇰 Slovakia's Prime Minister Hospitalized After Assassination Attempt

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was rushed to hospital in critical condition after being shot in the stomach in an assassination attempt. The incident occurred outside the House of Culture in Handlova, where Fico was meeting supporters. Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba stated that Fico's surgery went well, and while his condition is serious, it's not life-threatening.

The suspect, a 71-year-old former security guard, was detained at the scene. Fico, known for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a controversial figure in Slovak politics, especially with EU Parliament elections approaching.

🇮🇷 Iranian President; Raisi Involved In An Helicopter "Hard Landing"

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a "hard landing" on Sunday after visiting the Azerbaijan border, Iranian media reported. Raisi, 61, is a potential successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The incident occurred in the Dizmar forest in northwest Iran, with search operations ongoing and the helicopter's location still unknown. The status of the passengers is unconfirmed.

Raisi was returning from East Azerbaijan province with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor Malek Rahmati, and other officials. Government spokesperson Bahadori Jahromi stated that the vice president and other cabinet members traveled to Tabriz after the crash.

Read more: Al-Monitor

African Personality Of The Week

Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye

Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye (born 25 March 1980), known popularly as Diomaye, is a Senegalese politician and former tax inspector who is serving as the 5th President of Senegal since 2024. He is the general secretary of the banned party PASTEF He won the 2024 presidential election in place of disqualified candidate Ousmane Sonko, whom he later appointed as Prime Minister.

He is our personality of the week because he stands as a beacon of hope for Africa's democratic possibility.

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